Thanks for your advice and encouragement Gail (and to you Brian and Amy, as well!). I wanted to seek out help from Hopkins when I was going through my cancer because back then I was living in Gaithersburg, MD and they were the best around. Turned out my insurance didn't cover it, though, so I had to find another cancer center in White Marsh that took my plan. I wish we were back there now, though because they are the best around in my mind. Do you have any advice on keeping sane during all this? I've been trying so hard to keep it together for him (my husband's name is Steve) but feel like I am somewhat alone in this. All of our family members are back east and being out here I feel so isolated. I know Steve has sensed my extreme worry and feels like he needs to support me through this, when he is the one needing the support. We've only been married for 5 months and I feel so new at being a wife! The person I was with at the time of my cancer was never there for me when I needed him including both of my surgeries so I want to make sure I am there to support Steve through every portion of his treatment both physically and emotionally. I would never let him go through this alone as I did.

So how is your husband? Did everything come out OK after his treatments? Sorry I'm new to the board so I am just learning everyone's experiences! I think the worst thing about this is watching him suffer and not being able to do anything to stop it. It's like loosing control of everything. He seems more worried about the scars it will leave and the impact it will have on his speech than he is about anything else. Sorry for so much venting, but I guess that is part of what this forum is for. I hope that I can help others out too in the future and be able to share our experiences. His surgery is scheduled for Thursday of next week and we are both looking forward to get that portion over with. Thanks again and I hope all is well back east.

Michelle